Stairway to Heaven
Ur, Iraq  2002

       The Ziggurat was built 2,000-3,000 years B.C. by the Sumerians. It provided a symbolic temple for the meeting of heaven and earth. The solid monolith appears differently as one walks around the outside and views it from different angles. There are three stairways leading to the top from which the surrounding area can be viewed for miles in every direction. We were allowed to take pictures in every direction but south, due to the proximity of a sensitive site.
      During the Gulf War and since, the walls were strafed by U.S. and allied aircraft, which left pock marks and holes in the walls. In spite of this, it has withstood the test of time and wars – much as the descendants of Mesopotamia have and hopefully will continue to, in spite of conflicts from without and within.

CSpaulding
January 2003